Tropical Inner-Outer Beauty Tonic

Something amazing happens as life gets closer to the equator on Earth. Plants receive more nutrients from sunshine and are typically in flora rich areas with high humidity to encourage growth. In the more northern climates, we get to experience this as we launch into summer and increase our exposure to sunshine. Two plants that come from the more southern climates are Mangosteen and Hibiscus - together, they serve as a soothing beauty tonic perfect for the current climate of all levels of what we're exposed to on a daily basis.

The combination along with Cardamom and Pine Pollen can create clarity and joy in the mind and heart. This tonic promotes inner and outer beauty while working to make the most of the summer qualities, it's vibrant and rich burgundy color makes for a beautiful treat. I'm so excited to share this one with you - it has absolutely served as cooling support for me as summer rolls in. 

Tonic Benefits:

• Remove excess heat from the body
• Promotes clear complexion and healthy hair growth
• Nourishment of the female reproductive tissues
• Rich in phytonutrients, they are known to prevent cancer and kidney issues
• High level of Vitamin C assists to cleanse and nourish the body with an enzymatic process 

Recipe:

• Hibiscus powder (Banyan Botanicals)
  • 1 teaspoon
  • or sun brew 1 tablespoon of hibiscus petals per 32 oz. H2O 
• Mangosteen powder, raw (Sunfood Superfoods) 
  • 3/4 teaspoon
• Cardamom 
  • 1 teaspoon
• Pine Pollen (Sun Potion)
  • 1 teaspoon
• Whisk together herbal powders w/small amount of room temperature water to create a paste. Slowly add 2-3 cups of warm drinkable-tea temperature water to taste. If using dry petal method, use brewed hibiscus water (while stirring in ghee or coconut oil, if desired for addition hydration and healthy fats for the brain). Chill as desired per internal temperature and exposure to the summer elements.
• Adjust plant powder quantities as desired or as directed by health practitioner. 
  • Note: a little goes a long way...all of these plants are powerful and potent, mix as desired for sipping and enjoyment. For a crowd-pleasing sparkler, add a little seltzer water before serving.

Enjoy! Much love and more soon.
RLD

Herbal Rx: Triphala for Vibrance

We truly are always connected. A pattern was revealed this past week with clients that we are all feeling similar experiences with our most recent weather transitions of the season. By far this herbal home-care tool - Triphala - came up the most just next to increasing hydration and essential fatty acids to ease the shifting energy in the body. Also daily Neti and nasya oil for those w/allergies acting up (pre-congestion).  

Spring is full of movement, the energy of our communities is getting busier as we grow into transitions of Spring. With this increase in the dryer and lighter elements of vata, daily elimination can be varying. Ayurveda would say elimination should happen every day, preferably upon waking and moving through a Dinacharya or daily self-care routines. In the event that this seasonal switch-up has your rhythm a little off, Triphala is a fantastic herbal home-rx you can sip to gently encourage your digestive system to move out what is no longer needed. 

Triphala is a powder of three sour fruits - Amalaki, Bibhitaki & Haritaki - that guide to tonify the digestive system. It is often used daily, when needed, and as a component to routines for Pancha Karma treatments - beneficial for self-healing and incredibly revitalizing experience. Three dosha represent the elements of nature in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and Triphala also holds the sacred number of three for it's composition. Same as sour fruits make our lips pucker when eaten, the tissues of our digestive system also react in this way. The muscles and fibers to work more actively to rid the body of toxins and waste that could cause constipation and decrease immunity. As a result, you feel lighter and clearer as well as allowing your digestive system a cleaner way to process vital nutrients more effectively. 

Highlights:

• Removes excess Vata, Pitta and Kapha from the body for balance and clarity
• Detoxifying and rejuvenating
• Anti-oxidant and Vitamin C rich
• Promotes healthy digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination
• Supports lungs and urinary tract
• Assists w/clear complexion

Method // Use:

• 1/4 t. w/warm water or favorite calming tea (the less plants, the better) to begin
• Increase to 1/2 t. after a few days or as directed on package
• Can be taken daily // usually in the evening

Who to buy from:

• Banyan Botanicals   
• Sun Potion 
• Organic India (capsule form)

Much peace, love and gratitude,
RLD

Photo credit: Banyan Botanicals and unknown source

Sun Potions

Indigo Shibori: Collaboration w/tsii made x Greta Melcher

It is w/a full heart to let you in on a little behind the scenes sneak-peek of an upcoming collaboration w/Greta Melcher of tsii made, who I am also honored to call a dear friend. Greta is an inspirational artist w/a beautiful open soul. Every song she writes and piece she creates, her true love for the creative process and the beauty of life is emitted. 

Recently, something special was dreamed up... Take a peek at these beautiful first steps with Indigo Shibori: 

Visit her blog for a deeper look into this part of the process and learn more about the Japanese method of Shibori >> tsiimade.com

Much peace, love and indigo light,
RLD

More info on collaboration w/tsii made >> here

Folk Remedy Focus: Salt & Smoke Edition

The powerful plant energy that can be used for deep healing and clearing via salt and smoke is one of great intrigue to me. So mysterious yet so practical. A couple of noteworthy goods from small, hand-crafted purveyor of the folk remedy arts...

• Plant Folk Apothecary from New Mexico x Kate Clearlight = Pinon Smoked Bathing Salts
  • Product Info per Company:
    An ultra-therapeutic bathing experience, inspired by the healing waters of an outdoor wood fired cedar tub.

  • A purifying blend of mineral salts with the addition activated charcoal, black lava salt, locally wildcrafted pinyon, and alder-smoked sea salt. Smells like a woodsy wood fire! A one-of-a-kind sacred bath experience

• La Abeja Herbs x Sophia Rose = Smoke & Mirrors Cider Tonic
  • Method Info per Company:
    It stokes the fire in the belly and provides fuel for Revolution taking place -- within and without. Warming, stimulating, and deeply nourishing, Smoke + Mirrors is a simple yet effective folk remedy for maintaining vigor and vitality the year-round. Made with honey, apple cider vinegar, smokey chipotle peppers, and warming, antioxidant rich herbs, its flavor is deep and earthy, complex yet piquant.
    
    A perfect sipping vinegar, Smoke + Mirrors makes a welcome addition to any wellness regimen. For acute bouts when you feel under the weather, we recommend small frequent sips throughout the day. To encourage digestion and elimination take first thing in the morning upon rising with a bit of hot water. Food-like in nature, this kitchen staple can also be added salad dressings, tossed with your favorite steamed veggies, or simply enjoy neat by the teaspoonful.

Enjoy! Much peace, love and gratitude,
RLD

New Moon in Aquarius & Chinese New Year of the Rooster

Inspiration everywhere. It's incredible how you can feel the shift in our daily encounter with the work people are putting out there. Looking at artists websites, blog posts and various popular culture a new level of creativity is being pulled forth. Important time to curate the inner and outer spaces of our lives. A few things worth taking note of:

• Local communities gatherings happening all over the United States (and the entire World) for fundraising and awareness efforts - like Healing Elements in Saint Paul, Minnesota >> Support Standing Rock or Full Circle Venice's #giveheart Campaign
  • Article from New York Times printed January 24, 2017 on Standing Rock
     
• Chani Nicholas Astrology for New Moon in Aquarius: We The People...
• London celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Rooster - beautiful photos via BBC
   
• Raw Patterns x tsii - Handmade jewelry w/guitar strings & crystals and block shirts from repurposed factory remnants by creator and musician Greta Melcher
   
• Metaphysical jams // Album highlights:  To Zion via Kala x Trevor Hall and Levo via Iffy x Reconcite 
   
• Wonder Valley Olive Oil w/a beautiful goddess label from Joshua Tree, California - from the November 2016 harvest w/limited quantities available
   
• These mini copper planters w/succulents x Julie Kostreva - an LA based designer and artist. She believes great design is beautiful, useful and playful. Also peek at her collaboration projects. 

Enjoy. Much peace, love and gratitude,
RLD

Bhakti Fest West - High Vibe Kit

It's almost here. Bhakti Fest West in Joshua Tree, California is only a week away! As I've been gathering tools and gear for the sacred music, kirtan, yoga and general high vibration gathering - there are a few items that would be an up level in self-care for the experience:

• Bronchial Support Herbal Syrup x Banyan Botanicals: smooth combination of herbs in cherry bark to soothe the throat and keep kirtan and conversation up level
• Spirit Blend Essential Oil x Floracopeia: a sacred blend of palo santo, frankincense and sandalwood from this eco-responsible company enhances meditation
• Pine Pollen x Sun Potion: a heart chakra opener and pineal gland activator perfect for connecting with the universe and feeling your innate loving vibration

Also remember...

• Mala 
• Yoga mat for asana and meditation
• Journal for session notes or self-reflection
• Wisdom or tarot cards to share with others

Even if you won't be joining us in the desert, these are amazing tools for the sacred journeys of meditation, chanting and kirtan and general support for your daily spiritual practice. If you are planning on attending, there are still limited appointments available for Ayurvedic Integrative Massage, Radiant Heart Intuitive Sessions or CranioSacral Therapy with me at the Healing Sanctuary.

Much peace, love and gratitude to you beautiful being...
Rachel

Healing Power of Tattoos

Spiritual and therapeutic practices range across many forms of art - for me, tattoos are an important part of life and find them to be incredible markers of my life's journey. They serve as a form of ritual that global cultures have been practicing for many powerful reasons over the ages of time. Wanderlust posted a lovely article by Mara Raye, author and founder of Yoga for Creativity, exploring this idea a little further >> check it out!

Dry Brush 101: Chalkboard Mag Love

As part of everyday self-care, Ayurveda encouraging dry brushing as part of the pre-bathing ritual during the warmer months. It is fantastic for assisting the lymphatic system in detoxification and leaves the skin tonified and smooth. Love this post on dry-brushing via Chalkboard Mag >> check it out

Infographic: Oil Pulling & Tongue Scraping

Yogananymous and Temple Trumeric partnered with HiYo Creative to make a beautiful and accessible infographic on the Ayurvedic cleansing rituals of oil pulling and tongue scraping. Pretty nifty! Here is a link to the full layout: 

What Ayurveda Is & Isn't via Wanderlust

This article is fantastic and fun way to explore what Ayurveda is and isn't - enjoy!

Sun Potion & Tonic Herbs: An Introduction

We live in an extraordinary time of entrepreneurs and well-being minded souls on earth. I was honored yesterday to do a training with Scott Linde, the creator of Sun Potion Transformational Foods, a beautiful tonic herb and superfoods purveyor based out of California. They hold high quality and ethical sourcing to a standard that we can trust - expanding the healing community with their offerings. The intention and purpose of these herbs is to provide support for what our body knows how to do naturally in modern day life. They provide subtle detoxification on a cellular level that rounds the edges of potential stressors and pathogens.

At times, we may hear people refer to Chinese herbs or Ayurvedic herbs...these are in reference to plants that have existed for thousands of years, if not more. Each culture developed different ideas for harvesting and combinations of the plants depending on their location on the planet - utilizing the environment for optimal health and well-being. Although different forms of Eastern societies developed their own systems for health and herb use, the information held in these plants that our bodies understand and read is truly cross-cultural global knowledge. A term that David Crow, Acupuncturist and Founder of Floracopeia, used to describe plants that are found all over the world in a recent course on Ayurveda. Which means they are systems that can be used together and we can learn from each lineage. 

How do I use a tonic herb or superfood? There are many ways...its about thinking of them as ingredients. In addition to simply adding warm water for a tea, there is so much more. The herbs can be added into soup, salad dressings and blended beverages as a few ideas. The herbs have a cumulative effect and are to be done in small accessible amounts daily, an intention that is a cornerstone to well-being rituals. 

Stay tuned for a few recipes and ideas  - in the mean time, please take a look at Sun Potion's website to learn more about their story. Sun Potion is carried at Spot Spa in NE and Uptown Minneapolis - I would be delighted to walk through the options with you. Please feel free to book a 30 min 'retail experience' (complimentary, of course) with me either in person at Spot Spa or by phone for those not in the area - get in touch here. 

Peace & Gratitude lovely beings, looking forward to bringing you exciting potion ideas soon!
RLD
 

Chalkboard Mag Love: Turmeric Latte via LA

Winter wellness at it's finest direct to you from LA's eatery Gratitude Cafe via the beautiful and well organized Chalkboard Mag - Turmeric Latte. Enjoy!

Nurturing Autumnal Aromatherapy

Since the air has become a little crisper, I've begun to notice what appeals to my senses is changing. Across the States, the leaves are turning bright and rich shades ranging from golden to bordeaux. The air is becoming drier and flannels are coming out. People are beginning to prep for more time at home. 

As massage and bodywork school is coming to an end this season, I've started to get creative with my treatments. Essential oils are setting different atmospheres than just a few weeks ago. Clients are picking different aroma options. As a result, the individualized selection needed a slight adjustment. 

October Aromatherapy = bergamot and rose

This warming and grounding yet nurturing combination is a great way to connect deeper with the season. Try a self-massage with the oils anytime:

Method:
- 3-5 drops each essential oil per 2 oz. plain body oil

Procure:
Carrier Oil/Plain body oil: Aura Cacia - available at most natural grocery stores

Essential Oil: Intelligent Nutrients and Hylunia 

Summer Inspiration: Ceramic Art Planters

These beautiful art and nature combos are by Samantha Langley Clay. Found at the StoneArch Art Fair by the river in Minneapolis this past weekend. Succulents are so simple yet pre-historic. Her porcelain is truly lovely.

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Dog Day Afternoons

Days off are like gold in the summer. To humans and dogs alike. Whether there are things to prep for time in the outdoors or books to read, Maple & Mango take part in the endeavors. #doglove

Tech: Pacifica Anxiety App

When it comes to technology, I’m a strong believer that less is more. It is so easy with the current highly evolved technologies widely available as well as living in a Western society to become engulfed in screen-time. Once in a lunar eclipsed moon, I find an app or a piece of technology that helps to connect back with the self versus focusing energy outside of the body.

Pacifica is a free app designed to assist with lessening the physical causes of stress and anxiety through mindfulness. It utilizes five categories rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation and key wellness factors.

1. Mood – A thermometer for your feelings and general mood throughout the day. You can track improvements and take note of triggers over time like water intake or number of hours of sleep.

2. Relax – When you feel stressed, Pacifica offers three relaxation exercises: deep belly breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and positive visualization. You can even pick your soundscape like summer nights or rooftop rain.

3. Thoughts – When you feel overwhelmed and your mind is racing, this app can assist with bringing negative thought patterns into the forefront to develop more positive perspectives over time.

4. Experiments – If you’re feeling up for a challenge, this section provides ways to explore your health and get some forward-motion traction.

5. Health – A section to track your daily wellness factors like hours of sleep, time spent outdoors, minutes exercising and caffeine intake.

Why the awesome folks at Pacifica created the App:
“While there will always be a place for traditional therapy, barriers such as stigma, cost, and logistical considerations often get in the way of individuals getting the treatment they need”. Get the whole story from their about page.

True That.

Awareness and support for folks who wrestle with anxiety and stress is important work. Together, we move forward.

In a fast-paced world of conflicting values, I really like how Pacifica highlights that change happens over time. Depending on how much consciousness we have towards our health factors, we can expedite real change and balance in a lasting way. It allows you to be a detective for your own emotional and physical wellbeing on a non-judging and gentle path. As we stay strongly rooted in the present, we can look to the future.

>>Get the App

>>Visit thinkpacifica.com/blog for more on startups & anxiety